Since the healthy eating boom, we have seen many nutritionists encourage the consumption of peanut butter (as long as it is natural). But it seems that only the peanut one existed until recently. Luckily, all nuts can have their own butter and very easy to make to incorporate into sandwiches or fruit snacks.
Over time, almond butter has also gained its own space, surpassing peanut butter and leaving it in second place. But is it as healthy as we're led to believe? Which of the two is better?
Almonds or peanuts?
Almond butter is much more expensive than peanut butter, and we all know that novelty always tends to go up in price. Many lovers of paleo or restrictive diets are the main consumers of this type of food, so selling it at a high price gives it a rather exclusive touch. Actually, for €3 you can make it yourself at home. You just have to buy a package of natural almonds and beat until you get a cream. This way you make sure that its only ingredient is the dried fruit and that it does not contain any type of preservative.
In addition, there are also people who have stopped consuming peanuts since they found out that they belong to the legume family. For this reason, almonds have recently been presented as the "healthiest" option.
There is certainly no question that the calories in both butters come primarily from fat. For this reason, many people wonder if they are really healthy products.
What do each nutritionally contribute?
almond butter
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 196%
- Fat: 18 grams
- Unsaturated fat: 14 grams
peanut butter
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 188%
- Fat: 16 grams
- Unsaturated fat: 12 grams
Why do most people assume that almond butter is so much healthier if they are both caloric?
Actually, there are differences between the two: almonds have a slightly higher content of vitamin E, iron and fiber. But none of these reasons is so fundamental as to say that it is noticeably healthier. Also, they both have similar protein content (about 7-8 grams), so having a post-workout peanut or almond butter snack is a good option.
As far as fats go, they are both high in unsaturated fat (the good ones) and also have a bit of saturated fat. Unsaturated fat provides many health benefits, such as improving heart and brain health, providing satiety or fighting muscle inflammation. You must stop being afraid of consuming healthy fat, since it is necessary for the proper functioning of the body.
So which one is better?
Unless you have a peanut allergy or intolerance problem, almond butter is not extremely healthier. Both options are perfect and healthy for a snack or a snack to help us recover energy. Even so, if you are going to buy it in a supermarket or online, you should pay attention with peanuts. It is very common to sell it in packages loaded with added sugars, palm oil or emulsifiers.
All those ingredients are not necessary to enjoy a delicious nut butter. At most, we can accept some cases that incorporate a little salt, to replenish electrolyte reserves.